7 Steps in Facilitating Conversations in Webinars – Workshop Tip #257

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Lecturing in webinars could be like talking down on people;  at least that’s how many of us feel. So, it is well worth training to create conversations – yes, even in webinars – with your audience. 

How do we do this? I call this technique “cascading facilitation.” 

Now let us take a look at the seven (7) steps we can take to build discussions, create conversations, and find the best opportunities to present the content.

1. Show a video or image of a challenging situation. A stranded employee can be an example. 
2. Allow participants to freely respond. 
3. Read answers aloud. Mention your participants’ names.
4. Ask follow-up questions based on participants’ answers. 
5. “Cascade” the conversation. Ask a “challenge” question.
6. Keep calling out names and answers of the participants. 
7. Summarize, synthesize, and point out answers that reinforce your lesson and content.

Play the video example. View the graphics below that show in yellow, the chat responses of participants. 

In cascading learning, the learners’ answers are often followed up with challenging questions, such as “what if” scenarios. Don’t miss this opportunity to have a real conversation with them.

From the learners’ responses, we can go deeper, create conversations, and identify the best solutions to the situations they face. We don’t just talk to them, we talk “with” them.

References

7 Strategic Rules for Transforming Classroom Training Into Effective Remote Training

Vignettes Learning Workshops
1. Instructional and Experience Design for Workflow Learning
2. The Masterful Virtual Trainer Online Workshop
3. Microlearning for Disruptive Results
4. Hyper Story-Based eLearning Design Workshop
5. Training Frontline Leaders as Learning Accelerators
6. Developing Critical Thinking for Modern Learners
7. HYBRID Remote and Hands-on Training
8. Advanced Skills in Webinars

Ray Jimenez, PhD
Vignettes Learning
“Helping Learners Learn Their Way”